Glenda Rae Patterson was born on January 8, 1943, in Wichita, Kansas. She moved to Arizona in 1968, where she made her home and built a life full of family and friends.

Smart with numbers and even better with people, Glenda had a long career as a loan officer before her retirement. She approached life with urgency and purpose — decisive, full of momentum, and never one to sit still for long.

Her beautiful handwriting and handwritten letters were a reflection of the care and intention she brought to her relationships.

She had a true gift for bringing people together and treasured every gathering, big or small. Glenda filled her days with the people she loved most, creating memories around the table, in laughter and conversation, that will last a lifetime.

She loved music and dancing, cooking, and a good game of bingo. She enjoyed lunches with her daughters, long phone calls with friends, and always seemed to have her finger on the pulse of what was going on — somehow, she knew the news first. She had an impeccable sense of style, a knack for decorating, and a talent for thoughtful gift-giving. She was funny, strong, generous with her love and time, and never missed an opportunity to show she cared.

When she was young, Glenda played the accordion and was a competitive roller skater— early glimpses of the energy and spark that stayed with her all her life. She also loved animals, concerts, and a bit of celebrity gossip.

Above all, Glenda adored her family. She loved her children unconditionally and found her greatest joy in her grandchildren.

Glenda asked to be remembered as a good friend. Her favorite song, “Just the Way You Are” by Billy Joel, speaks to the way she saw others — and how she wished to be seen herself.

She was preceded in death by her parents (Omer and Blossom); her brother (Mac); her daughter (Sheri); and her former husband, Leo Gene Patterson, with whom she shared 20 years of marriage and raised three daughters.

Glenda is survived by her daughters — Page (Marcos), Ashley (Chris), and Cydney (Dan) — and by her beloved grandchildren: Ariel and Julian; Cade and Greyson; and Matthew and Henry.

Glenda will be deeply missed by her family, her friends, and all who were lucky enough to know and love her.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Hospice of the Valley. hov.org/donate